Senior Policy Advisor

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead biodiversity policy initiatives. The successful candidate will provide strategic policy advice, influence legislative changes, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Applicants should have experience in policy development and excellent communication skills. This position is based in Wellington, and a salary range of $96,185.00 – $128,912.00 is offered.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for professional development

Inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• Experience in providing authoritative policy advice on complex matters.
• Strong collaboration skills and commitment to teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present information concisely.
• Cultural awareness, understanding of Te Tiriti Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Leading analytical work to identify and develop policy options.
• Providing high-quality advice for Ministers and engaging with stakeholders.
• Influencing and supporting legislative change.
• Coaching and leading policy advisors within the team.

Skills

Policy advice

Collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Cultural awareness

Job description

Core policy challenges

• Address core policy challenges facing New Zealand's unique biodiversity
• Support changes to protect biodiversity through fit-for-purpose legislation
• Climate adaptation and mitigation policy that encourages and works with nature
• Permanent full time, Wellington location

About the role

Join our Biodiversity Systems Policy team and work across the complex challenges facing New Zealand's unique biodiversity, including climate change. As Senior Policy Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting robust and strategic policy advice for senior leaders and the Minister, aligned with DOC’s strategic direction. You’ll also engage internally and externally in ways that represent Te Papa Atawhai and align with our strategic policy objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leading analytical work to identify, develop and assess policy options, both independently and as part of the wider team.
• Providing high-quality advice for Ministers and Cabinet, and written material to support engagement with stakeholders and the wider public.
• Influencing and supporting legislative change that meets the needs of our Minister, Treaty partners, and senior leaders.
• Playing a leadership role within the team, coaching and leading policy advisors across the wider team.

Key Projects

• Ensuring fit-for-purpose legislative settings are in place in relation to wildlife and their protection, including work to repeal and replace the Wildlife Act 1953.
• Advising on how public conservation land can support delivery against climate targets, including through nature-based solutions like native afforestation and wetland restoration.

Skills and experience

• Experience providing authoritative and frank policy advice on complex matters that recognises the choices and constraints Ministers face and anticipates their needs.
• The ability to see the big picture, and to be able to position your work within the broader political and organisational context.
• Experience in navigating complexity and adapting to change, including the ability to find new solutions and ways forward to deliver on expectations.
• Strong collaboration skills, and commitment to working as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present critical information sharply and concisely, tailoring advice and analysis to the needs of others.
• Ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their work.
• Cultural awareness – understanding of Te Tiriti Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori.

About the team

DOC has a new and ambitious strategy focused on improving conservation outcomes. The Policy Directorate works across a range of policy, regulatory, and funding issues to achieve these - we provide the strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system. The Directorate ensures DOC has the right frameworks and settings in place to deliver on our outcomes for conservation, to meet Government priorities, and to be an honourable Treaty partner.

As one of seven policy teams in the Directorate, the Biodiversity Systems Policy team's key purpose is to lead advice on the policy and system settings needed to deliver the biodiversity outcomes sought through Te Mana o te Taiao – the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020, and to maximise the contribution biodiversity makes to New Zealand's climate goals.

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Salary range

Salary range for this position is $96,185.00 – $128,912.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Contact

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Caroline Reid, [e-mail]